The $150,000 price realized for the Kwangtung Dollar is one of the highest prices paid for any Chinese copper coin, regardless of year or denomination.

Modern Chinese coins also faired very well, with prices considerably stronger than they had been in previous auctions with any firm. The top modern sale was a 1979 People’s Republic “Year of the Child” Proof Piefort Set containing a 35-yuan silver coin and a 450-yuan gold coin, which realized an impressive $143,400. The two proofs in the set are exceedingly rare, with a mintage of 2,000 for the silver piece and 500 for the gold piece.

The event proved to be a success, with total sales approximately 30% higher than the December 2015 Hong Kong auctions. Moreover, over 340 more lots were sold across the two events, boasting a sell-through rate of 96%.

“Our auction exceeded our most optimistic expectations,” said Cristiano Bierrenbach, Heritage’s Executive Vice President of International Numismatics. “Several agents and bidders commented on their inability to win lots in the auction as prices were ‘way too high.’ Of course we are always thrilled for our consigners to hear such feedback!”